Kentucky 2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 5 R · 3 D cosponsors

HB 169 — AN ACT relating to coverage for feeding or eating disorders.

Last action — signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 101)

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 07, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Andy Beshear (Democratic) on April 13, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 98% · high confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 8 sponsors

    8 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (5 R · 3 D) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 2 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Summary

Create new sections of Subtitle 17A of KRS Chapter 304 to define terms; require health plans to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of feeding or eating disorders; prohibit insurers from using certain standards, including body mass index, to deny, limit, or restrict coverage; authorize insurers to consider certain factors when determining medical necessity or the appropriate level of care for an individual diagnosed with a feeding or eating disorder; amend KRS 304.17C-125, 304.38A-115, 205.522, 205.6485, 164.2871, and 18A.225 to require limited health services benefit plans, limited health service organizations, Medicaid, KCHIP, self-insured employer group plans provided by the governing board of a state postsecondary education institution, and the state employee health plan to comply with the coverage requirements for feeding or eating disorders; provide that various sections apply to health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027; require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department for Medicaid Services to seek federal approval if it is determined that such approval is necessary; provide authorization from the General Assembly to make changes in the Medicaid program as required under KRS 205.5372(1); EFFECTIVE, in part, January 1, 2027.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

452 added · 585 removed

452 line(s) added, 585 removed.

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Latest
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA AN ACT relating to coverage for feeding or eating disorders.
CHAPTER 101 1 CHAPTER 101 ( HB 169 ) AN ACT relating to coverage for feeding or eating disorders.
Page 1 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA SECTION 2.
SECTION 2.
(b) The need for supervised meals and support interventions;
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (b) The need for supervised meals and support interventions;
(2) KRS 304.17A-262;[ and] Page 2 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA (3) KRS 304.17A-591 to 304.17A-599;
(2) KRS 304.17A-262;[ and] (3) KRS 304.17A-591 to 304.17A-599;
(m) KRS 304.17A-600, 304.17A-603, and 304.17A-607;[ and] Page 3 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA (n) KRS 304.17A-740 to 304.17A-743;
(m) KRS 304.17A-600, 304.17A-603, and 304.17A-607;[ and] (n) KRS 304.17A-740 to 304.17A-743;
(2) The Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall:
CHAPTER 101 3 (2) The Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall:
A mid-range health benefit coverage plan that is offered and Page 4 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA generally available to state employees;
A mid-range health benefit coverage plan that is offered and generally available to state employees;
Health insurance coverage offered by a health maintenance organization that has the largest insured commercial, non- Medicaid enrollment of covered lives in the state;
Health insurance coverage offered by a health maintenance organization that has the largest insured commercial, non-Medicaid enrollment of covered lives in the state;
Ten dollars ($10), to be paid by a family with income between one hundred percent (100%) to one hundred thirty- three percent (133%) of the federal poverty level;
Ten dollars ($10), to be paid by a family with income between one hundred percent (100%) to one hundred thirty-three percent (133%) of the federal poverty level;
The cabinet shall provide, in any contracting process for coverage of preventive services, the opportunity for a public health Page 5 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA department to bid on preventive health services to eligible children within the public health department's service area.
The cabinet shall provide, in any contracting process for coverage of preventive services, the opportunity for a public health department to bid on preventive health services to eligible children within the public health department's service area.
(3) Within twelve (12) months of federal approval of the state's Title XXI child health plan, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall assure that a KCHIP program is available to all eligible children in all regions of the state.
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (3) Within twelve (12) months of federal approval of the state's Title XXI child health plan, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall assure that a KCHIP program is available to all eligible children in all regions of the state.
KRS 304.17A-129;[ and] Page 6 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA 2.
KRS 304.17A-129;[ and] 2.
and Page 7 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA (b) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, be exempt from conformity with Subtitle 17A of KRS Chapter 304.
and (b) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, be exempt from conformity with Subtitle 17A of KRS Chapter 304.
(f) KRS 304.17A-262;
CHAPTER 101 5 (f) KRS 304.17A-262;
or by any city, urban-county, charter county, county, or consolidated local Page 8 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA government, whose legislative body has opted to participate in the state- sponsored health insurance program pursuant to KRS 79.080;
or by any city, urban-county, charter county, county, or consolidated local government, whose legislative body has opted to participate in the state-sponsored health insurance program pursuant to KRS 79.080;
and 78.5536(2)(b)3., unless he or she is actively Page 9 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA employed pursuant to subparagraph 1.
and 78.5536(2)(b)3., unless he or she is actively employed pursuant to subparagraph 1.
(2) (a) The secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, upon the recommendation of the secretary of the Personnel Cabinet, shall procure, in compliance with the provisions of KRS 45A.080, 45A.085, and 45A.090, from one (1) or more insurers authorized to do business in this state, a group health benefit plan that may include but not be limited to health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), point of service (POS), and exclusive provider organization (EPO) benefit plans encompassing all or any class or classes of employees.
(2) (a) The secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, upon the recommendation of the secretary of the Personnel Cabinet, shall procure, in compliance with the provisions of KRS 45A.080, 45A.085, and 45A.090, from one (1) or more insurers authorized to do business in this state, a group health benefit plan that may include but not be limited to health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY organization (PPO), point of service (POS), and exclusive provider organization (EPO) benefit plans encompassing all or any class or classes of employees.
Health insurance coverage Page 10 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA provided to state employees under this section shall, at a minimum, contain the same benefits as provided under Kentucky Kare Standard as of January 1, 1994, and shall include a mail-order drug option as provided in subsection (13) of this section.
Health insurance coverage provided to state employees under this section shall, at a minimum, contain the same benefits as provided under Kentucky Kare Standard as of January 1, 1994, and shall include a mail-order drug option as provided in subsection (13) of this section.
and to be subject Page 11 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA to penalties for noncompliance with data reporting requirements as specified by the Personnel Cabinet.
and to be subject to penalties for noncompliance with data reporting requirements as specified by the Personnel Cabinet.
(g) Any funds in flexible spending accounts that remain after all reimbursements Page 12 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA have been processed shall be transferred to the credit of the state-sponsored health insurance plan's appropriation account.
(g) Any funds in flexible spending accounts that remain after all reimbursements have been processed shall be transferred to the credit of the state-sponsored health insurance plan's appropriation account.
For any participating entity that used the state payroll system, the employer contribution amount shall be equal to but not greater than the state contribution rate.
For CHAPTER 101 7 any participating entity that used the state payroll system, the employer contribution amount shall be equal to but not greater than the state contribution rate.
(5) No payment of premium by any department, board, agency, public postsecondary educational institution, or branch of state, city, urban-county, charter county, county, or consolidated local government shall constitute compensation to an Page 13 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA insured employee for the purposes of any statute fixing or limiting the compensation of such an employee.
(5) No payment of premium by any department, board, agency, public postsecondary educational institution, or branch of state, city, urban-county, charter county, county, or consolidated local government shall constitute compensation to an insured employee for the purposes of any statute fixing or limiting the compensation of such an employee.
The secretary shall also appoint two (2) members from a list of five (5) names submitted by the Kentucky Education Association, two (2) members from a list of five (5) names submitted by the largest state employee organization of Page 14 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA nonschool state employees, two (2) members from a list of five (5) names submitted by the Kentucky Association of Counties, two (2) members from a list of five (5) names submitted by the Kentucky League of Cities, and two (2) members from a list of names consisting of five (5) names submitted by each state employee organization that has two thousand (2,000) or more members on state payroll deduction.
The secretary shall also appoint two (2) members from a list of five (5) names submitted by the Kentucky Education Association, two (2) members from a list of five (5) names submitted by the largest state employee organization of nonschool state employees, two (2) members from a list of five (5) names submitted by the Kentucky Association of Counties, two (2) members from a list of five (5) names submitted by the Kentucky League of Cities, and two (2) members from a list of names consisting of five (5) names submitted by each state employee organization that has two thousand (2,000) or more members on state payroll deduction.
(11) Interruption of an established treatment regime with maintenance drugs shall be grounds for an insured to appeal a formulary change through the established appeal procedures approved by the Department of Insurance, if the physician supervising the treatment certifies that the change is not in the best interests of the patient.
(11) Interruption of an established treatment regime with maintenance drugs shall be grounds for an insured to appeal a formulary change through the established appeal procedures approved by the Department of Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Insurance, if the physician supervising the treatment certifies that the change is not in the best interests of the patient.
Maintenance drugs may be dispensed by mail order in Page 15 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA accordance with Kentucky law.
Maintenance drugs may be dispensed by mail order in accordance with Kentucky law.
(18) If a state employee's residence and place of employment are each located in Page 16 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA counties in which the hospitals do not offer surgical services, intensive care services, obstetrical services, level II neonatal services, diagnostic cardiac catheterization services, and magnetic resonance imaging services, the employee may select a plan available in a county contiguous to the county of residence that does provide those services, and the state contribution for the plan shall be the amount available in the county where the plan selected is located.
(18) If a state employee's residence and place of employment are each located in counties in which the hospitals do not offer surgical services, intensive care services, obstetrical services, level II neonatal services, diagnostic cardiac catheterization services, and magnetic resonance imaging services, the employee may select a plan available in a county contiguous to the county of residence that does provide those services, and the state contribution for the plan shall be the amount available in the county where the plan selected is located.
If the Personnel Cabinet deems the bids submitted in accordance with this subsection to be in Page 17 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA the best interests of state employees in a region, the cabinet may award the contract for that region to no more than two (2) carriers;
If the Personnel Cabinet deems the bids submitted in accordance CHAPTER 101 9 with this subsection to be in the best interests of state employees in a region, the cabinet may award the contract for that region to no more than two (2) carriers;
Page 18 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA (o) KRS 304.17A-145;
(o) KRS 304.17A-145;
(1) Shall, within 90 days after the effective date of this section, request the necessary federal authorization or approval to implement Sections 6 and 7 of this Act;
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (1) Shall, within 90 days after the effective date of this section, request the necessary federal authorization or approval to implement Sections 6 and 7 of this Act;
and (2) May only delay implementation of the provisions of Sections 6 and 7 of this Act for which federal authorization or approval was deemed necessary until the federal Page 19 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 169/GA authorization or approval is granted.
and (2) May only delay implementation of the provisions of Sections 6 and 7 of this Act for which federal authorization or approval was deemed necessary until the federal authorization or approval is granted.
Page 20 of 20 HB016910.100 - 467 - XXXX 2/3/2026 2:21 PM GA
Signed by Governor April 13, 2026.
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Action History

  1. signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 101)

  2. delivered to Governor

  3. enrolled, signed by President of the Senate

  4. enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House

  5. received in House

  6. 3rd reading, passed 38-0

  7. posted for passage in the Consent Orders of the Day for Friday, March 27 2026

  8. 2nd reading, to Rules as a consent bill

  9. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Consent Calendar

  10. to Banking & Insurance (S)

  11. to Committee on Committees (S)

  12. received in Senate

  13. 3rd reading, passed 95-0 with Committee Substitute (1)

  14. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Monday, February 02 2026

  15. 2nd reading, to Rules

  16. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)

  17. to Banking & Insurance (H)

  18. to Committee on Committees (H)

  19. introduced in House

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

8 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 130 not signed on

Sponsors (8)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (130)

130 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 130 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

CONSENT PASSAGE OF HB 169

Passed 38 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 5000
Republican 33000
Total 38000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (38)
Member Party Vote
Cassie Chambers Armstrong Democrat Yea
Gary Clemons Democrat Yea
Gerald A. Neal Democrat Yea
Karen Berg Democrat Yea
Keturah J. Herron Democrat Yea
Aaron Reed Republican Yea
Amanda Mays Bledsoe Republican Yea
Brandon J. Storm Republican Yea
Christian McDaniel Republican Yea
Craig Richardson Republican Yea
Danny Carroll Republican Yea
David P. Givens Republican Yea
Donald Douglas Republican Yea
Gary Boswell Republican Yea
Greg Elkins Republican Yea
Jared Carpenter Republican Yea
Jason Howell Republican Yea
Jason Nemes Republican Yea
Jimmy Higdon Republican Yea
Julie Raque Adams Republican Yea
Lindsey Tichenor Republican Yea
Matt Nunn Republican Yea
Matthew Deneen Republican Yea
Max Wise Republican Yea
Michael Meredith Republican Yea
Nick Wilson Republican Yea
Phillip Wheeler Republican Yea
Rick Girdler Republican Yea
Robby Mills Republican Yea
Robert Stivers Republican Yea
Robin L. Webb Republican Yea
Scott Madon Republican Yea
Shelley Funke Frommeyer Republican Yea
Stephen West Republican Yea
Steve Rawlings Republican Yea
Tom Smith Republican Yea
Wade Williams Republican Yea
Walker Thomas Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Pass

Passed 95 Yea · 0 Nay · 5 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 19001
Republican 75004
Unaffiliated 1001
Total 95006
% of votes cast 94%0%0%6%
How each member voted (101)
Member Party Vote
Lewis C — Yea
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY SENATE — Not Voting
Adam Moore Democrat Yea
Adrielle Camuel Democrat Yea
Al Gentry Democrat Yea
Anne Gay Donworth Democrat Yea
Ashley Tackett Laferty Democrat Yea
Beverly Chester-Burton Democrat Not Voting
Chad Aull Democrat Yea
Daniel Grossberg Democrat Yea
Erika Hancock Democrat Yea
George Brown Jr. Democrat Yea
Joshua Watkins Democrat Yea
Lindsey Burke Democrat Yea
Lisa Willner Democrat Yea
Mary Lou Marzian Democrat Yea
Matthew Lehman Democrat Yea
Nima Kulkarni Democrat Yea
Pamela Stevenson Democrat Yea
Rachel Roarx Democrat Yea
Sarah Stalker Democrat Yea
Tina Bojanowski Democrat Yea
Aaron Thompson Republican Yea
Adam Bowling Republican Yea
Amy Neighbors Republican Yea
Bill Wesley Republican Yea
Bobby McCool Republican Yea
Candy Massaroni Republican Yea
Chris Freeland Republican Yea
Chris Fugate Republican Yea
DJ Johnson Republican Yea
Daniel Elliott Republican Yea
Daniel Fister Republican Yea
David Hale Republican Yea
David Meade Republican Yea
David W. Osborne Republican Yea
Deanna Gordon Republican Yea
Derek Lewis Republican Yea
Emily Callaway Republican Yea
Felicia Rabourn Republican Yea
J.T. Payne Republican Yea
James Tipton Republican Yea
Jared Bauman Republican Yea
Jason Nemes Republican Yea
Jason Petrie Republican Yea
Jennifer Decker Republican Yea
Jim Gooch Jr. Republican Yea
John Blanton Republican Yea
John Hodgson Republican Yea
Josh Branscum Republican Yea
Josh Bray Republican Yea
Josh Calloway Republican Yea
Ken Fleming Republican Yea
Ken Upchurch Republican Yea
Kevin Jackson Republican Yea
Kim Banta Republican Yea
Kim Holloway Republican Yea
Kim King Republican Yea
Kimberly Poore Moser Republican Yea
Marianne Proctor Republican Not Voting
Mark Hart Republican Yea
Mary Beth Imes Republican Yea
Matt Lockett Republican Yea
Matthew Koch Republican Yea
Michael Meredith Republican Not Voting
Michael Sarge Pollock Republican Yea
Mike Clines Republican Yea
Mitch Whitaker Republican Yea
Myron Dossett Republican Yea
Nancy Tate Republican Yea
Nick Wilson Republican Yea
Patrick Flannery Republican Yea
Peyton Griffee Republican Yea
Randy Bridges Republican Yea
Rebecca Raymer Republican Yea
Richard White Republican Yea
Robert Duvall Republican Yea
Ryan Bivens Republican Yea
Ryan Dotson Republican Yea
Samara Heavrin Republican Yea
Savannah Maddox Republican Yea
Scott Lewis Republican Yea
Scott Sharp Republican Yea
Shane Baker Republican Yea
Shawn McPherson Republican Yea
Stephanie Dietz Republican Yea
Steve Bratcher Republican Yea
Steve Riley Republican Yea
Steven Doan Republican Yea
Steven Rudy Republican Yea
Susan Witten Republican Yea
Suzanne Miles Republican Yea
T.J. Roberts Republican Not Voting
Thomas Huff Republican Yea
Timmy Truett Republican Yea
Tom Smith Republican Yea
Tony Hampton Republican Not Voting
Vanessa Grossl Republican Yea
Wade Williams Republican Yea
Walker Thomas Republican Yea
William Lawrence Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

healthcare health-insurance
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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 169 do?
Create new sections of Subtitle 17A of KRS Chapter 304 to define terms; require health plans to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of feeding or eating disorders; prohibit insurers from using certain standards, including body mass index, to deny, limit, or restrict coverage; authorize insurers to consider certain factors when determining medical necessity or the appropriate level of care for an individual diagnosed with a feeding or eating disorder; amend KRS 304.17C-125, 304.38A-115, 205.522, 205.6485, 164.2871, and 18A.225 to require limited health services benefit plans, limited health service organizations, Medicaid, KCHIP, self-insured employer group plans provided by the governing board of a state postsecondary education institution, and the state employee health plan to comply with the coverage requirements for feeding or eating disorders; provide that various sections apply to health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027; require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department for Medicaid Services to seek federal approval if it is determined that such approval is necessary; provide authorization from the General Assembly to make changes in the Medicaid program as required under KRS 205.5372(1); EFFECTIVE, in part, January 1, 2027.
Who sponsors HB 169?
HB 169 is sponsored by Nancy Tate (Republican), Kim King (Republican), Mary Beth Imes (Republican), Vanessa Grossl (Republican), Daniel Grossberg (Democrat), Beverly Chester-Burton (Democrat), Lisa Willner (Democrat), and Ken Fleming (Republican).
What is the current status of HB 169?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 07, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track HB 169?
Track HB 169 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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